O’Malley expects surprises at Group of 8 meeting

Cardinal Sean O’Malley

September 30, 2013

Boston Cardinal Sean O’Malley, one of eight cardinals appointed by Pope Francis to advise him on possible reforms of the Roman Curia, said Sept. 18 he has received extensive feedback from cardinals and archbishops in the U.S. and Canada in preparation for an Oct. 1-3 meeting with the pope.

Visiting New Orleans, O’Malley said he did not know what to expect as a result of the gathering in Rome.

O’Malley said the eight cardinals will meet among themselves at the end of September and then with Pope Francis, before accompanying the pontiff to Assisi Oct. 4, the feast of St. Francis.

Asked what his expectations were for the deliberations, O’Malley smiled and said: “I don’t know.

Obviously, there’s been many surprises in the last few months, and I think there’ll be more of the same.”